What's the best way to learn Japanese, if you don't care about being able to write it? [more inside]
posted by Mwongozi on Aug 30, 2009 - 18 answers

My pronunciation of r's and l's is the same - for example, I pronounce lot and rot the same. English is my first (and only) language. When listening, i have no problems distinguishing between the two. No problems with writing either. Only with pronunciation. How do I become better at pronouncing those sounds? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 16, 2008 - 12 answers

What is the first question people ask when you tell them what you do? Are there common misconceptions or generalizations that people make? How do you tactfully and/or humorously correct them? [more inside]
posted by iamkimiam on Apr 28, 2008 - 156 answers

I'd like to learn a new language during my daily commute. What is the best language learning audio cd available? [more inside]
posted by zippity on Mar 25, 2008 - 11 answers

What is the origin of pronouncing "I've got you" like "I've gotchew?" Does this go back to ancient English speaking times, or is this merely a sloppy, learned Americanism? Is there a name for it? [more inside]
posted by iguanapolitico on Aug 30, 2007 - 32 answers

I'm looking for a good Czech pronunciation guide. [more inside]
posted by vernondalhart on May 17, 2007 - 4 answers

What does American English sound like to people who don't speak english? [more inside]
posted by sammich on Feb 12, 2007 - 35 answers

I'll be going to France in a little under 2 months, to stay 2 weeks with a family that doesn't speak much English at all, in a relatively small town that doesn't speak much English at all. I'm decently proficient, but not confident, and definitely lacking in the listening/speaking end. I have, however, 9 days coming up where I will have more than enough free time. I won't have an internet connection, but I'll have a laptop I can put stuff on. What is the best use of the next 2 months in terms of preparing for functioning well on the trip? [more inside]
posted by devilsbrigade on Jun 4, 2006 - 10 answers

Where can I learn to speak Welsh online? [more inside]
posted by samstarling on Jan 24, 2006 - 5 answers

DiscourseAnalysisFilter: That I know something you don't know sing-song voice... how universal is that? Is it specific to North America? Do non-North American English-speaking kids know the tune for that phrase or others like "Iiiiii'm better than yoooouuuuu are" or "nyah nyah nyah nyah boo boo"? If not, is there another sing-song phrase they use for teasing? And how would one go about publishing their findings on such a question?
posted by heatherann on Nov 22, 2004 - 18 answers

Did people really speak in such formal, flowery language in the 18th and 19th century? (more inside) [more inside]
posted by stupidsexyFlanders on Jan 18, 2004 - 11 answers